PS3 delayed? Gears update ...

1. PS3 delayed?
2. New Xbox 360 accessories coming in May
3. Gears of War update
4. Windows Vista versions revealed?
5. Xbox 360 Dashboard update
6. Microsoft Names New GM for Xbox Japan

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NEWS:

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1. PS3 delayed?

CNN (or Reuters) is running an article saying the PS3 may be delayed.

Sony has been touting a spring(ish) release for their next gen console (though the territory rollout hasn't been announced), but it looks like there may be a hitch.

A SCE spokeswoman said the company is waiting for final specifications on some of the technology it is using in the PS3, like the Blu-Ray DVD drive and A/V input/output. These specifications are being decided by "industry consortiums", and if they're not decided now and manufacturing is begun, I don't know how Sony can plan to make a "spring launch".

The cost for manufacturing is likely to be high, too. Whereas Microsoft loses about $44 per $400 box sold, a Merrill Lynch analysis said Sony's boxes could cost $900 each to manufacture, leading to a new definition for "loss leader".

Analysts are now projecting a summer launch in Japan, followed by a U.S. launch before Thanksgiving, and a European launch in early 2007.

That news, along with ML saying the PS3 could be delayed 6-12 months, caused a Monday share drop of 4.4 percent.

I thought the late send of apha, beta, and final Xbox 360 kits was rough on game developers, but PS3 developers may largely be developing on speculation, at this point.

2. New Xbox 360 accessories coming in May

According to the Hong Kong Edition of The Official Xbox Magazine, the following two accessories are coming out for the Xbox 360 in May:

1. Xbox Live Camera for Xbox 360
• Supports built-in video chat and video messaging on Xbox Live
• Features up to VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second
• Takes 1.3-megapixel still photos (better than most phone cameras)
• Includes a microphone that connects to the controller
2. Quick Charge kit
• Quick Charger for two batteries
• Play and Charge cable
• Rechargable battery pack (whether one or two is unclear)

3. Gears of War update

Sounds like Gears of War may be further along than I thought.

TeamXbox.com is running an article about a closed-door demo that was fairly complete, with more of an emphasis on playtesting multiplayer modes than previous statements from designer CliffyB led me to believe.

4. Windows Vista versions revealed?

According to TeamXbox.com, Microsoft has let slip the versions of their next OS, Windows Visa. I can't yet find details on the versions, but they seem to be creating a software tiering nightmare:

• Windows Starter 2007
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Basic N
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Business N
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise

5. Xbox 360 Dashboard update

If you haven't already, next time to log on to Xbox 360 Live, you'll get a mandatory update download.

I'm not crazy about Microsoft's "here's-an-update-don't-worry-what's-in-it" patch policy, so thanks to the fine folks at TeamXbox.com, here's the list of fixes included in the download:

• Improvements to the Xbox Guide.
• Option to retain your saved games when you delete a profile.
• Increased accuracy of "last time played."
• Network configuration improvements for Xbox Live members in the Netherlands.
• More detailed messaging for unreadable disk or region errors.

Not likely there's a fix hidden in there for the Xbox overheating, since that's allegedly related to a faulty heat sensor.

I'm curious if anyone else has noticed glitches in the Achievements functionality since the download. I'll be playing DOA4, and unlock a single Achievement, but get 4-5 notices for it onscreen.

6. Microsoft Names New GM for Xbox Japan

Ouch. Microsoft promoted Takashi Sensui to General Manager, replacing Yoshihiro Maruyama, who has "appointed to a strategic position within Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division".

This is likely a result of a poor Japanese launch for the Xbox 360 (arguably worse than the relese for the first-gen console), leaving approximately 200,000 360s unsold on Japanese retailers shelves, while other territories starve for product.